Image via WikipediaIn conversation with some students today, I came across some different perceptions of what “Breaking news” means. Through the discussions, we came to the conclusion that perhaps “breaking” isn’t the best word to use in all instances. #

Perhaps the 24-hour cable news networks have overused the “breaking news” lingo to talk about everything from what Michelle Obama was wearing on Inauguration Day to a press conference by Illinois Gov. Rob Blagojevich to a plane landing on the Hudson. #

So I think it would be useful to have a distinction. #

“Breaking news” should be reserved for something BIG. On campus, this could be the death of a student, or a fire, or something. “Breaking news” needs a swarm of reporting to get the facts out immediately and follow-up with a real sense of urgency. #

“Developing news” should be something that is probably newsworthy enough to post some relevant facts or source documents on the web site – like your standard Friday afternoon “news dump” of a coach resigning, or your university PR office sending out a press release that has some actual news. But – especially when officials won’t return their phone calls – won’t result in the all-out swarm that follows a breaking news event. And you likely won’t send out an e-mail blast to subscribers (because we know people hate that whole “cry wolf” thing, right?). #

It’s a distinction that has some value, at least as you’re transitioning students to a web-first mindset. Your thoughts? #

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